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| Zhang Daqian;s Spring Mountains in Sichuan |
Spring Mountains in Sichuan by Zhang Daqian (1899-1983) topped Sotheby's auction of fine classical painting, selling for $8.27 million. The artist had left China in 1949 because of the political changes, and travelled first to Hong Kong, then Argentina, where the relaxing landscapes and weather revived his spirits. Yet his longing for his homeland remained and in the painting, the artist wrote a deeply felt inscription to that effect. Created from memory, the landscapes of his homeland are displayed in 'mogu' style (no outline with forms achieved by washes of ink and colour). Interestingly another 3 paintings by Zhang were in the top 10 lots.
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| Wu Guanzhong |
Overall, Sotheby’s sale of fine Chinese paintings achieved $83 million, with all of the 308 lots sold except one, showing interest for these older works are going from strength to strength. The Lion Groov Garden by Wu Guanzhong sold for $3.67 million, while Fu Baoshi's Lady in Solitude sold for $2.24 million and Qi Baishi's Rabbits Under osmathus Tree sold for $1.73 million.